In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Loc Nguyen, whose remarkable journey spans multiple intersecting identities and career transitions. From arriving in the United States as a Vietnamese refugee to serving in the Air Force, experiencing corporate America, and now building a nonprofit while pursuing his doctoral studies, Loc's story exemplifies the power of embracing all aspects of one's identity.

• How embracing multiple intersectional identities can become a strength in your professional journey
• Navigating successful career transitions across teaching, military service, and corporate America
• The challenges and joys of parenting a child with Down syndrome
• Creating pathways for higher education for students with unique intellectual abilities
• Finding purpose by addressing gaps in society rather than just identifying problems

Loc shares his experience navigating professional spaces while holding multiple intersectional identities: a war refugee from Vietnam, an Asian American male, a veteran of the Air Force, a father of a child with special needs, a doctoral candidate, and an assistant professor. Throughout the conversation, he discusses how these different aspects of his identity have shaped his professional journey, presenting both unique challenges and distinctive advantages.

Loc's career path has been far from linear. Beginning with family expectations to become a doctor, he pivoted to teaching sixth grade after realizing medical school wasn't his calling. Following the events of 9/11, he felt compelled to join the Air Force, serving for eight and a half years as an officer—a way to repay the country that had given him refuge. After military service, he spent 12 years in the corporate world, primarily working with software startups in customer relations. Now, as a doctoral candidate at USC and an assistant professor at Cañada Community College, he's evolving his leadership skills to drive practical change.

During his time in the Air Force, Loc became a father to a daughter with Down syndrome, an experience that has profoundly shaped his perspective and his current work. Recognizing the limited educational pathways available for students with intellectual disabilities after K-12, he founded the Better Tomorrow Center for Advancement. This nonprofit organization aims to create college opportunities for students with special needs, including physical fitness training as part of a holistic approach to education.

Loc emphasizes several important approaches for professionals navigating multiple intersectional identities:

1. Embrace who you are - Value all aspects of your identity rather than trying to fit into one specific mold
2. See your diverse background as an advantage - Multiple intersections can be a gift that allows you to contribute uniquely
3. Be open to evolution - Career paths don't have to be linear; each transition builds upon previous experiences
4. Address gaps with solutions - Instead of just identifying problems, work to build solutions that don't yet exist
5. Remember the human element - Even in an AI-driven world, human connection and support remain essential

Loc Nguyen on Linkedin

Founder of Better Tomorrow Center for Advancement Website: btr-tmrw.com

Chat with Host Lola Adeyemo: LinkedIn

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